Britain is suspending some arms exports to Israel, Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced Monday, citing “a clear risk” that the arms might be used in “serious violation of international humanitarian law.”
The move marks a shift for the United Kingdom and came as part of the new Labour government’s review of Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law amid its war in Gaza. Lammy said the government had a “legal duty” to do the review.
The suspended arms export licenses, about 30 out of around 350, include sales of components for military aircraft including fighter planes, helicopters and drones. The arms also include items believed to be used for ground targeting, Lammy said.
“The assessment I have received leaves me unable to conclude anything other than that for certain U.K. arms exports to Israel, there does exist a clear risk that they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law,” Lammy said.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said Britain’s decision “sends a very problematic message” to Hamas and “its sponsors in Iran,” while Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said he was “deeply disheartened” by Britain’s announcement.
Lammy stressed that the suspension was “not a blanket ban” or “an arms embargo” and that the British government has not — “and could not — arbitrate on whether or not Israel has breached international humanitarian law.”
Read more here from the Washington Post.
